AYDEN — Saying that Ayden-Grifton is hitting its stride at the right time is an understatement. After starting the season with six straight losses, the Chargers defeated North Lenoir, 48-14, Friday to enter the NCHSAA 2A playoffs on a five-game winning streak.

Ayden-Grifton (5-6) was seeded No. 4 and will play Fairmont (8-3) next week.

The Chargers secured the conference’s top spot with its 76-point shut out over Kinston last week, but AG coach Paul Cornwell said the victory culminates an amazing turnaround for the team.

“I thought if we got things put together we would have a chance,” he said about his team’s opportunity to make the playoffs after the rugged start to the season.

After forcing the Hawks to punt on the game’s opening possession, the Chargers immediately made an impact on the scoreboard. Senior RJ Nelson took his team’s first snap 42-yards for the quick lead.

It wouldn’t be his last foray with end zone Friday night.

After Drew Turnage fumbled the ball on the Chargers second possession — which was returned 87 yards by Cedric Summers to tie the game — Nelson went back to work on his way to five touchdowns in the game’s first 23 minutes.

He would close out the first quarter with a seven-yard score to retake the lead for good.

Just two minutes and six seconds later, following a safety — kicked out of the back of the end zone after the ball was snapped over North Lenoir punter Adam Williams’ head — Nelson returned the free kick 67 yards for his third touchdown of the night.

The Chargers would hold North Lenoir to a 3-and-out on the ensuing possession, but the Ayden-Grifton would fumble the punt to give the Hawks a short field. Five plays later, NL quarterback Landon Baker would connect with a Larry Boskey on a 31-yard strike to make the score 22-14.

However, the Chargers would score on both of their next possessions — runs of 24 and three yards for Nelson — to give a 36-14 halftime lead.

“Coach said come to the game with your hardhat — your working tools — to just play ball,” Nelson said. “I wasn’t even aware (I had five touchdowns) until I got back to the sidelines, I was like, ‘Oh, that’s what’s up.’ ”

The state record for touchdowns in a game is eight, held by multiple players, including UNC and then-North Guilford running back TJ Logan, who broke the record during the NCHSAA 3A state championship game last December.

Ayden-Grifton would pull starters in the second half, scoring only 12 points over the game’s final 24 minutes.

Turnage (22-yard run) and Tijuan Blount (2-yard run) would give the Charger’s their final tally.

Nelson led all rushers with 142 yards. Turnage added 102 yards.

Page 2 of 2 - The Hawks leading rusher was Summers with 42 yards, and Donyae Hopkins add 39 yards.